Warm Bodies (2013)

An endearing and utterly ridiculous twist on the zombie flick. Based on Isaac Marion’s novel, the film begins much like any other apocalyptic tale: after a zombie epidemic has ravaged our planet, only a few militant survivors are left to prevent the spread of infection and begin reconstruction. When one such survivor, Julie (Teresa Palmer), encounters a surprisingly caring zombie, R (Nicholas Hoult), the two form a special bond – get it? Julie and R? Juliet and Romeo?? – and discover that there may still be some life buried inside those corpses after all. With a charming cast, witty dialogue and some romance amidst the rampage, this offbeat ‘zom-com’ will please most audiences. That being said, the film seems to be suffering from an identity crisis – in trying to create a little something for everyone, Levine is incapable of truly taking a chance and delivering in the areas of comedy, romance or horror. With a clever premise and extremely likeable cast, it’s a shame that Warm Bodies tends to drag along like it’s hero, which leaves some us feeling only lukewarm at best – * * 1/2